ABSTRACT
Recurrent meningiomas constitute an uncommon but significant problem after standard therapy failure. Speculation that meningiomas may be subject to endocrine influence was supported by both immunohistochemical analyses and epidemiological data. Therefore, alternative strategies such as endocrine therapy have been suggested. Although evidence of consistent findings for the role of specific hormonal exposures is mounting, there are numerous discrepancies about the mitogenic effect of hormonal manipulation on meningioma cells. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in meningioma pathogenesis may not only lead to the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic markers but may also facilitate the development of new pathogenesis-based targeted strategies. This review of literature aims to summarize the present state of the art of endocrine therapy in the management of meningiomas, in order to establish whether hormonotherapy could be included in the therapeutic strategy for unresectable and/or progressive tumours in previously irradiated meningioma patients.
